Chok L'Yisrael - Shlach for Thursday

 

Chok L'Yisrael

Shlach for Thursday

Do not judge another person unfavorably, for "Man sees that which is in front of his eyes, but G-d sees that which is in the heart," (1Shmuel 16:7). You do not know what is in another's heart or thoughts. Therefore, judge every person favorably. Guard your eyes from seeing evil, and give to charity what you can afford. Remember, it is the same whether one does much or little, as long as one's heart is directed towards Heaven.

Submit yourself to your Creator. Consider in your heart that if every man guards his servants, how much more so does the Master of the Worlds guard you. Do not bring yourself even to a mild sin, for it will lead you to a severe sin. If one violates "Do not hate," (Vayikra 19:17), in the end, they may come to shed blood. As it says, "But if a man hates his fellow, and lies in wait for him, and rises up against him and smites him to death." (Devarim 19:11)

Be careful not to associate with those from whom you will not learn good, for it is likely that you will instead learn evil. Woe to him who does so! Woe to his soul! Furthermore, you will cause people to suspect you of wrongdoing, for they will say: "It is not for nothing that he is with him," and they will then attribute all his evil actions to you.

Yosef le-Chok

(Sefer Chasidim 77-79)

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Conclusion:

Every action, thought, and judgment contributes to the rectification of the soul and the world. By judging others favorably, we contribute to the positive energy and spiritual rectification of the universe.

Guarding one's eyes from seeing evil and giving charity, tzedakah, are actions that maintain spiritual purity and ensure the flow of Divine blessings. Tzedakah, in particular, is seen as a powerful act that channels Divine Benevolence (Chesed) into the world.

The warning against sitting with those who might lead you astray echoes the concept of "devekut" (clinging to G-d), and the idea that one's spiritual state can be influenced by one's surroundings. 

A heart directed toward Heaven is a concept relating to the Kabbalistic idea of "Kavanah" (intention). Actions performed with the right intention connect the individual to higher spiritual realms.

Submission to the Creator reflects the surrender of the ego and the acknowledgment of a higher Divine order, which is essential for spiritual growth and connection to G-d.

Associating with tzadikim, righteous people, helps one to absorb positive spiritual energy, while associating with negative influences can lead to spiritual downfall.

The idea that G-d guards individuals more closely than a master guards his servants reflects the concept of "hashgacha pratit" (individual Divine Providence).



*The Hebrew term "kavanah" כַּוָּנָה (intention or direction of the heart) refers to the performing of mitzvot (commandments) and prayers not just mechanically, but with full awareness and intention. Kavanah is a crucial element in elevating physical actions to the spiritual realm. Proper kavanah is seen as a means to achieve devekut during religious acts. The Zohar and other Kabbalistic texts emphasize that kavanah can influence the upper worlds and affect the flow of Divine energy. The Baal Shem Tov, founder of Chasidism, taught that prayer without kavanah is like a body without a soul. 

*The Hebrew term "devekut" דְּבֵקוּת (clinging or attachment to G-d) a state of constant awareness and connection to G-d. The concept is rooted in Scripture , such as Devarim 11:22, "To love HASHEM your God, to walk in all His ways, and to cling (וּלְדָבְקָה u’ledavka) to Him." Devekut is not just as a lofty goal for the few, but as a practical ideal that can infuse everyday life with deeper meaning and purpose, and encourages one to view all aspects of life through a spiritual lens, potentially transforming even the most mundane activities into opportunities for connection with G-d.

*The Hebrew term "hashgacha pratit" הַשְׁגָּחָה פְּרָטִית (Divine Providence or more specifically individual Divine Providence; detailed supervision). Hashgacha pratit refers to that G-d is actively involved in and oversees every detail of Creation, down to the most minute occurrences in each individual's life. Hashgacha pratit represents a worldview in which nothing is random or meaningless. It encourages individuals to approach life with mindfulness, seeking to understand the Divine messages and lessons in every experience, finding purpose and direction in life, while also fostering a deep sense of connection to G-d in everyday existence.